EP3548784B1 - Profiled clamp - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a profile clamp according to the preamble of claim 1. US 2004/216284 A1 , US 2008/184536 A1 and US 2010/223764 each disclose such a profile clamp.

Profile clips are widely used to connect pipelines. The profile clamp is pushed over the pipeline with a tension band. The clamping heads of the profile clamp are then moved towards one another by tensioning the clamping device, whereby the inner diameter or the receiving space of the profile clamp is reduced and a radially inwardly directed clamping force is exerted on the pipeline. The pipeline can thus be clamped to another pipeline or to a clamping head.

The profile clamp has an essentially U-shaped tension band. The lines to be connected have a radially protruding, circumferential flange. To connect the lines, the profile clamp is positioned so that the flanges of the lines protrude into the U-shaped tensioning band. The legs of the U-shaped tensioning band run at an angle, so that when the tensioning band is tensioned, in addition to the radially acting tensioning force, an axial tensioning force is exerted on the flanges with respect to the lines, by which the flanges are pressed against each other so that they rest against each other, creating a seal takes place between the lines.

As a result of the forces exerted on the clamping heads by the clamping device, tensions occur within the clamping band, which have adverse effects on the durability. In particular, in the case of greater temperature differences, the holding forces provided by the profile clamp can be negatively influenced as a result.

The object of the invention is to provide a profile clamp with an improved stress distribution within the tensioning band, in particular in the event of temperature changes.

The main features of the invention are specified in the characterizing part of claim 1. Refinements are the subject of claims 2 to 11.

In the case of a profile clamp with a tensioning band and a tensioning device, the tensioning band having at each end a clamping head that protrudes essentially radially with respect to a receiving space defined by the profile clamp, each with an opening, and wherein the tensioning device has two clamping parts and an elongated clamping element connecting the clamping parts with the clamping element extending through the openings of the clamping heads and pressing the clamping parts against the clamping heads, it is provided that the profile clamp has intermediate elements which are provided between the clamping heads and the clamping parts, the intermediate elements having recesses through which the clamping element extends extends, as well as a contact surface for contact with the clamping head, the contact surface being designed in such a way that the contact point between the intermediate element and the clamping head is at least in a clamping position in which the clamping heads are parallel to one another or inclined to one another ind, is closer to the receiving space in the radial direction than the central axis of the clamping element.

In the clamping position, the clamping heads are pressed against one another by the clamping device in such a way that the clamping band rests against one or more pipelines all the way around.

Since the point of application, i.e. the point of application of the clamping device on the clamping heads, is closer to the receiving space than the central axis of the clamping element, undesired stresses in the clamping heads are avoided or at least reduced, since the lever arm between the point of application and one at the transition between the clamping heads and the clamping band intended foot point of the clamping heads is significantly shorter. This is what happens when tensioning the clamping device to less deformation of the clamping heads, so that a more effective introduction of the clamping forces into the clamping band is possible.

By means of the intermediate elements, the point of application of the tensioning device can also be moved closer to the base point, regardless of the shape of the tensioning device. In particular, through the selection of suitable intermediate elements, the use of different tensioning devices is possible, so that flexible adaptation of the profile clamp is possible. Independently of the selected clamping device, the intermediate elements can be selected so that the point of application between the intermediate elements and the clamping heads is each radially closer to the base of the respective clamping head than the central axis of the clamping element. Since the adaptation to the tensioning device takes place via the intermediate elements, the tensioning heads can also be designed symmetrically, so that an alignment of the profile clamp, for example for actuation of the tensioning device, is not necessary. After pre-assembling the profile clamp, this can be mounted on the clamping heads in any orientation.

The tensioning band is curved, for example, around the receiving space and the tensioning heads each have a section directly adjoining the respective end of the tensioning band and curved in the opposite direction to the curvature of the tensioning band, the contact points each being on the curved section of the tensioning heads.

The intermediate elements can have a rounded contact surface so that even if the clamping head is deformed or the position of the clamping heads is changed, for example when the clamping heads are pulled together by the clamping device, the contact point lies in the radial direction below the central axis of the clamping element. In particular, the contact surface is convexly curved. In particular, the curvature of the contact surfaces is smaller than the curvature of the curved sections of the clamping heads.

The contact surfaces also each have a protrusion protruding in the circumferential direction, the protrusion being provided further inward in the radial direction than the opening of the clamping head. Due to the projection, the contact point can be selected largely independently of the alignment of the clamping heads. The projection is preferably selected in such a way that even when the clamping heads are inclined away from or towards one another, only the projection rests on the respective clamping head. For example, the intermediate element made of sheet metal and the projection is bent by stamping or punching out of the sheet metal.

On the intermediate elements and the clamping heads, cooperating holding elements are preferably provided, which fix the intermediate elements in the radial direction and in a direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis of the clamping element. If the clamping heads are not aligned parallel to one another, the clamping device can be pushed towards the closer together ends of the clamping heads during clamping. If the clamping heads are inclined towards one another, for example, the clamping device could move radially outward during clamping. This would enlarge the lever arm, which could lead to higher tensions in the tensioning band. Furthermore, the clamping device could be pushed against the edge of the respective opening, which could result in a load on the material of the clamping heads in these areas. The intermediate elements and thus also the clamping device are fixed in the radial direction by the holding elements, so that increased stress on the clamping heads is avoided. The non-rotatable fixation also ensures that the intermediate elements always have the desired alignment on the clamping heads. For example, part of the clamping device can also be fixed in a rotationally fixed manner on one of the intermediate elements and thus on a clamping head.

The holding elements can each be formed, for example, by at least one recess on the intermediate element or on the clamping head and at least one projection provided on the clamping head or the intermediate element, which protrudes into the recess. In particular, the projection protrudes in the circumferential direction with respect to the receiving space and the recess is open in the circumferential direction. The intermediate elements can be fixed in a simple manner by pushing the recess onto the projection.

For example, the projection is bent out of the clamping head or the intermediate element, in particular stamped, which enables the projection to be produced in a simple manner.

The intermediate element preferably has a receptacle for a filling body or a clamping part of the clamping device. The filler body can, for example, have a support function for the intermediate element or provide an abutment for a clamping part which enables the clamping part to be placed flat on the filler body and thus on the intermediate element. The filling body is held in a desired orientation in the receptacle. If a clamping part is held in the receptacle, it can be held in such a way that it is connected to the clamping element as well as tensioning of the tensioning device is possible. For example, the clamping part is a nut with an internal thread, which is held in the receptacle in the circumferential direction, in the radial direction and in the direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis of the clamping element.

For example, a clamping part with an internal thread can be provided in one receptacle and a filler body with a cylindrical recess can be provided in the second receptacle. The filler body can provide a flat abutment for a head of the tensioning element, for example a screw head. The other intermediate element fixes the clamping part, which is designed as a nut. The tensioning device can thus be easily mounted on the tensioning strap.

The intermediate element can also enclose the receptacle in a circumferential direction and thus have an abutment for a clamping part.

The clamping heads are preferably designed to be inclined to one another.

Opposite contact surfaces can be provided on the radially outer ends of the clamping heads which come into contact with one another when the clamping heads are drawn together.

The clamping heads and the clamping band can each have a U-shaped cross section, at least in sections. The U-shaped cross section can be interrupted by flat sections in order to increase the flexibility of the tensioning strap.

The U-shaped cross section can change in the radial direction in the area of the clamping head and / or in the circumferential direction in the area of the clamp band. For example, the cross section can be adapted to the expected loads. The cross section can be adapted, for example, by adapting the length, the thickness or the shape of the base and / or the legs of the U-shaped cross section. Alternatively, the angle between the leg and the base can be changed. The cross-section can be different in sections or change continuously.

Fig. 1

ein Spannband einer erfindungsgemäßen Profilschelle;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung einer Rohrleitungsbaugruppe mit einer Profilschelle;

Fig. 3

eine Detailansicht des Spannkopfes der Profilschelle aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

eine zweite Detailansicht des Spannkopfes der Profilschelle aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 5

eine erste Ausführungsform eines Zwischenelements zur Verwendung mit dem Spannband aus den Fig. 3 und 4;

Fig. 6

Eine Teilansicht einer Profilschelle mit dem Spannband aus Fig. 1 und dem Zwischenelement aus Figur 5;

Fig. 7

eine zweite Ausführungsform eines Zwischenelements zur Verwendung mit dem Spannband aus Fig. 1; und

Fig. 8

eine Teilansicht einer Profilschelle mit dem Spannband aus Fig. 1 und dem Zwischenelement aus Fig. 7;

Fig. 9a bis 9e

Schnittansichten durch die Profilschelle in den Schnitten a-a bis e-e aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 10

eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Profilschelle; und

Fig. 11a und 11b

Detailansichten des Spannkopfes der Profilschelle aus Fig. 10.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a tension band of a profile clamp according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of a pipeline assembly with a profile clamp;

Fig. 3

a detailed view of the clamping head of the profile clamp Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4

a second detailed view of the clamping head of the profile clamp Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5

a first embodiment of an intermediate element for use with the tensioning band from the Figs. 3 and 4 ;

Fig. 6

A partial view of a profile clamp with the tightening strap Fig. 1 and the intermediate element Figure 5 ;

Fig. 7

a second embodiment of an intermediate element for use with the tightening strap Fig. 1 ; and

Fig. 8

a partial view of a profile clamp with the tension band Fig. 1 and the intermediate element Fig. 7 ;

Figures 9a to 9e

Sectional views through the profile clamp in sections aa to ee Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 10

a second embodiment of a profile clamp; and

Figures 11a and 11b

Detailed views of the clamping head of the profile clamp Fig. 10 .

In Figure 1 a tensioning band 12 of a profile clamp 10 is shown. The tensioning band 12 has an essentially U-shaped cross section with two legs 14, 16 inclined relative to one another and a connecting area 18 (see also FIG Figure 2 ) and delimits a receiving space 20. The legs 14, 16 have several interruptions 22, so that the tensioning band 12 is designed to be more flexible. Furthermore, the clamping band 12 has two clamping heads 24, 26 which protrude radially with respect to the receiving space 20 and on which a clamping device 28 (see FIG Figures 6 and 8th ) to tension the tensioning band 12 can attack.

The clamping device 28 has a clamping element 30 and two clamping parts 32, 34, which can be moved towards one another by the clamping element 30, whereby the clamping heads 24, 26 can be pressed against one another.

The profile clamp 10 is used to connect two lines 36, 38 (see Figure 2 ), each of which has a radially protruding flange 40, 42 at one end. The lines 36, 38 are placed against one another with the flanges 40, 42 and the profile clamp 10 is placed over the two flanges 40, 42 so that the flanges 40, 42 are located in the receiving space 20. The tensioning band 12 is then tensioned with the tensioning device 28 in such a way that the legs 14, 16 bear against the flanges 40, 42 and press them against one another.

The clamping heads 24, 26 are constructed symmetrically and each have at least some sections of a U-shaped cross section. An opening 44, 46 is provided on each clamping head 24, 26 through which the clamping element 30 of the clamping device 28 can extend.

On the clamping heads 24, 26, projections 48, 50 protruding in the circumferential direction U of the clamping band 12 are also provided on the opposite sides, each of which is bent out of the sheet metal of the clamping head 24, 26. At the radially outer ends of the surfaces facing one another, the clamping heads each have a contact surface 52, 54, the contact surfaces 52, 54 being opposite one another in such a way that they can rest against one another when the tensioning band 12 is tensioned.

The profile clamp 10 also has intermediate elements 56, 58 which are arranged between the clamping heads 24, 26 and the clamping parts 32, 34. The intermediate elements 56, 58 are each formed from a sheet metal by bending and have a contact surface 60, 62 for contact with the clamping heads 24, 26 and a contact 64, 66 arranged on an opposite surface. As will be explained below, a clamping part 32 can be applied to the system 64.

Recesses 68, 70 with which the intermediate elements 56, 58 can be pushed onto the projections 48, 50 on the clamping heads 24, 26 are provided on the contact surfaces 60, 62. Latching elements 72, 74 are provided on the projections 48, 50, each of which latches in the recess 68, 70 and prevents the intermediate element 56, 58 from slipping off the projection 48, 50. The projections 48, 50 and the recesses 68, 70 form each cooperating holding elements which fix the intermediate element 56, 58 in the radial direction and in a direction of rotation around the clamping element on the clamping head 24, 26.

The intermediate elements 56, 58 also have a filler body 76, 77 which is inserted between the contact surface 60, 62 and the abutment 64, 66. Bores are provided on each of the fillers 76, 77, the contact surfaces 60, 62 and the abutments 64, 66, which form a recess 78, 79 extending through the intermediate element, through which the clamping element 30 can extend. On the intermediate elements 56, 58 tabs 80, 82 are provided which fix the filling body 76, 77 in a receptacle 84, 86 of the respective intermediate element 56, 58.

For example, an internal thread can be provided in the bore of a filling body 78 and the clamping element 30 has a corresponding external thread, so that the filling body 77 forms a clamping part 34. The second clamping part 32 is firmly connected to the clamping element 30 and preferably has a torque transmission profile.

Alternatively, the filling body 77 can also have, analogously to the filling body 76, only one recess 79 through which the tensioning element 30 extends, and the tensioning element 34 is an element separate from the filling body 77 and rests against the abutment 66.

The intermediate elements 56, 58 with the contact surfaces 60, 62 are pressed against the clamping heads 24, 26 by the clamping device 28 or the clamping parts 32. There is therefore a power transmission from the clamping device 28 or the clamping parts 32 to the intermediate elements 56, 58 and further to the clamping heads 24, 26.

As in Figure 5 The contact surface 60, 62 of the intermediate elements 56, 58 can be seen rounded on the radially inner edge in the assembled state on the clamping band 12 and has a projection 88, 90 which protrudes in the circumferential direction to the clamping head 24, 26 in the assembled state. A recess 92, 94, into which the projection 88, 90 can engage, is provided on each of the clamping heads 24, 26.

As in Figure 6 As can be seen, the intermediate elements 56, 58 are only in contact with the projections 88, 90 on the clamping heads 24, 26. The clamping part 32 lies flat against the abutment 64, so that an optimal power transmission is guaranteed. The contact point 96, 98 with which the intermediate elements 56, 58 rest on the clamping heads 24, 26 is therefore very close to the Base points 100, 102 of the clamping heads, which each form the transition from the clamping heads 24, 26 to the clamping band 12. As in Figure 6 As can be seen, the application point 96, 98 is in any case closer to the receiving space 20 in the radial direction of the receiving space 20 than the central axis 104 of the clamping element 30 or closer to the respective base point 100, 102 than the central axis 104 of the clamping element 30 The bending load on the clamping heads 24, 26 is significantly reduced, so that a more uniform distribution of stress in the clamping band 12 can be achieved. In order to intensify this effect, the clamping heads 24, 26 are also designed to be inclined to one another.

Since the clamping heads 24, 26 are designed symmetrically, the clamping device 28 can be mounted on the clamping band 12 with any orientation. The intermediate elements 56, 58 define the contact points 96, 98 on the one hand , 26 takes place.

A second embodiment of the intermediate elements 56, 58 is shown in FIGS Figures 7 and 8th shown. The structure essentially corresponds to that in Figures 5 Intermediate elements 56, 58 shown in FIG. 6. Only no system is provided for the tensioning device. The tensioning element 32 thus rests directly on the filler body 76.

As in the Figures 9a to 9e As can be seen, the profile clamp 10 has different cross-sectional shapes in the circumferential direction. In the area of the clamping heads ( Figure 9a ) the profile clamp has an essentially U-shaped cross section. In the transition area to the tensioning strap 12 or at the base points 100, 102, the cross section changes so that it is essentially U-shaped, as a result of which the depressions 92, 94 are formed.

In the area of the tensioning strap 12, the cross section is essentially U-shaped, with the legs 14, 16 being at an angle to one another. The angle decreases, for example, from the cross section CC to the cross section ee. With the profile clamp 10 installed, this leads to a more even distribution of tension within the tensioning band 12. For example, the angle of the legs 14, 16 is cc 39.6 ° in section, dd 38.1 ° in section and 34.4 ° in section ee. However, the angles can also assume other values as long as a uniform distribution of stress in the tensioning strap 12 is guaranteed. The angle is preferably between 45 and 30 °.

The invention is not restricted to one of the embodiments described above, but can be modified in many ways. The intermediate elements 56, 58 only have to be designed so that the contact point 96, 98 between the intermediate elements 56, 58 and the clamping heads 24, 26 is each radially closer to the base 100, 102 of the respective clamping head 24, 26 than the central axis 104 of the clamping element 30 and that the contact surfaces 60, 62 each have a protrusion 88, 90 protruding in the circumferential direction U, the protrusion 88, 90 each being provided closer to the receiving space 20 in the radial direction than the openings 44, 46 of the clamping head 24, 26.

For example, the clamping heads 24, 26 can also have a section directly adjoining the respective end of the clamping band 20 and curved in the opposite direction to the curvature of the clamping band 20, the contact points 96, 98 each lying on these curved sections of the clamping heads 24, 26. In particular, the curvature of the curved sections is greater than an optionally present curvature of the contact surfaces 60, 62.

In the Figures 10 and FIGS. 11a and 11b show a second embodiment of a profile clamp. The structure of this profile clamp 10 corresponds essentially to the profile clamp 10 described above. The projections 48, 50, however, have no locking elements, but are instead bent radially inward at their ends. The bent ends form a hook-shaped locking means which prevents the intermediate elements 56, 58 from slipping off. <b> List of reference symbols </b> 10 Profile clamp 62 Mooring area 12th Tension band 64 system 14th leg 66 system 16 leg 68 Recesses 18th Connection area 70 Recesses 20th Recording room 72 Locking elements 22nd Interruptions 74 Locking elements 24 Clamping head 76 Packing 26th Clamping head 77 Packing 28 Clamping device 78 Recess 30th Clamping element 79 Recess 32 Clamping part 80 Tabs 34 Clamping part 36 cables 82 Tabs 38 cables 84 recording 40 flange 86 recording 42 flange 88 head Start 44 opening 90 head Start 46 opening 92 deepening 48 Ledges 94 deepening 50 Ledges 96 Mooring point 52 Contact area 98 Mooring points 54 Contact area 100 Base point 56 Intermediate elements 102 Base point 58 Intermediate elements 104 Central axis 60 Mooring area

Claims (11)

1. A profiled clamp (10), having a tensioning band (12) and a tensioning device (28), wherein the tensioning band (12) comprises at each end a tensioning head (24, 26), which protrudes radially in a substantial manner with reference to a receiving space (20) which is defined by the profiled clamp (10), said tensioning heads each having an opening (44, 46), and wherein the tensioning device (28) comprises two tensioning parts (32, 34) and one elongated tensioning element (30) which connects the tensioning parts (32, 34), wherein the tensioning element (30) extends through the openings (44, 46) of the tensioning heads (24, 26) and presses the tensioning parts (32, 34) against the tensioning heads (24, 26), characterized in that the profiled clamp (10) comprises intermediate elements (56, 58) which are provided between the tensioning heads (24, 26) and the tensioning parts (32, 34), wherein the intermediate elements (56, 58) comprise recesses (78, 79), through which the tensioning element (30) extends, as well as an abutment surface (60, 62) for abutment against the tensioning head (24, 26), wherein the abutment surface (60, 62) is realized in such a manner that the abutment point (96, 98) between the intermediate element (56, 58) and the tensioning head (24, 26), at least in a tensioning position in which the tensioning heads (24, 26) are parallel to one another or are angled with respect to one another, is located in each case closer in the radial direction to the receiving space (20) than the center axis (104) of the tensioning element (30) and wherein the abutment surfaces (60, 62) each comprise a projection (88, 90) which protrudes in the circumferential direction (U), wherein the projection (88, 90) is provided in each case closer in the radial direction to the receiving space (20) than the openings (44, 46) of the tensioning head (24, 26).
2. The profiled clamp as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the tensioning band (12) is curved about the receiving space (20) and the tensioning heads (24, 26) each comprise a portion which connects directly to the respective end of the tensioning band (20) and is curved in the opposite direction to the curvature of the tensioning band (12), wherein the abutment points (96, 98) are each located on the curved portion of the tensioning head (24, 26).
3. The profiled clamp as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the intermediate elements (56, 58) each comprise a rounded abutment surface (60, 62), wherein the curvature of the abutment surfaces (60, 62) is in particular smaller than the curvature of the curved portions of the tensioning heads (24, 26).
4. The profiled clamp as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that interacting holding elements (48, 50, 68, 70), which fix the intermediate elements (56, 58) in the radial direction and in a rotational direction about the longitudinal axis of the tensioning element (30), are provided on the intermediate elements (56, 58) and the tensioning heads (24, 26).
5. The profiled clamp as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the holding elements (48, 50, 68, 70) are each formed by at least one recess (68, 70) on the intermediate element (56, 58) or on the tensioning head (24, 26) and at least one projection (48, 50) which is provided on the tensioning head (24, 26) or the intermediate element (56, 58) (48, 50) and protrudes into the recess (68, 70).
6. The profiled clamp as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the projection (48, 50) is bent from the tensioning head (24, 26).
7. The profiled clamp as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate element (56, 58) comprises a reception (84, 86) for a filler (76, 77) or a tensioning part (32, 34) of the tensioning device (28).
8. The profiled clamp as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that a tensioning part (34) with an internal thread is provided in a reception (86) and a filler (76) with a cylindrical recess is provided in the second reception (84).
9. The profiled clamp as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate elements (56, 58) each comprise an abutment (64, 66) for a tensioning part (32, 34).
10. The profiled clamp as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tensioning heads (24, 26) are realized at an angle with respect to one another.
11. The profiled clamp as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that mutually opposite contact surfaces (52, 54) are provided on the radially outer ends of the tensioning heads (24, 26).

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